Gatsby Unclothed

Though referred to as a modern novel, The Great Gatsby is characterized by several romantic elements that lift it onto a pedestal of romanticism. A parody of the American Dream, this masterpiece by F. Scott Fitzgerald exemplifies the concept of American Romanticism.

First, as one of the heroes of the novel, Gatsby represents in himself a sort of false idealism which transforms materialism into a type of romantic expectation--he ultimately believes that he can rearrange reality according to his heart's desire. It is this misplaced faith in material success that will inevitably cause his destruction. For in modern America, only "careless people" like Tom and Daisy who "smashed up things . . . and let other people clean up the mess" can survive (Fitzgerald 188-89). The so-called Don Quixotes of the world like Gatsby who are defined by emotions or ideals are ultimately destroyed by the very nature of their ideals...